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Review and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 8

PRESENT TRUTH.
Earlier text: DUTY TOWARD MINISTERS.

A SUGGESTION.

By J. S. MILLER

The twelve apostles whom Jesus chose for the establishing of his church, came to a point, as we read in the book of Acts, when it became necessary to enlarge their operations, and hence there arose a call for another class of laborers. “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” Acts. vi, 1–3.
Now the question arises in my mind, whether the Seventh-day Advent body have not arrived at a point where a similar move is called for. The work is rapidly growing on the hands of those to whom it has been committed. The cry from every quarter is, “Send the messengers this way,” showing that “the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Now, while it is all right and proper to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers to the harvest, may we not turn the labors of the messengers already in the field to greater account? The testimony of the apostles was that it was not reason that they should leave the word of God to serve tables; is it reason that our ministers should leave the word of God to peddle books? The testimony has been given that it is not. What shall be done? Would it not be well to follow apostolic example and choose out men to attend to this business?
Would it not be well for each church or company of S. D. Adventists to choose out the man who is the best qualified among them for the business, and appoint him agent for all the publications of the Publishing Association for that locality? The messengers might obtain the books in quantities and see that a supply was kept on hand at each of the depositories, and dismiss all further care about them from their minds. Then let every member of these little companies consider himself bound to spread the present truth to the utmost of his ability, and whenever it was discovered that a person was seeking light in any direction, let the right book be placed in his hands, and so prepare the minds of communities to understand truth when it is presented by the messengers. Thus, it seems to me, the light on the message might be spread with double the rapidity with which it is now going.
J. S. MILLER.
Ashaway, R. I.

SHADOWS, TEMPTATIONS AND SORROWS.

By J. DEWEY.

SHADOWS come into the heart and steal into the life; shadows of doubt, of despair, and forgetfulness of the dear omnipotent Father's goodness, that obscure the vision, and we cannot pray; shadows that tempt the spirit to rebel, and that hide from us the beauty of truth, and the charm of humility; shadows are they all from the dark angel's wing.
Temptations come, drawing the heart into the magic of unholy aspirations. But he who is omnipotent, and who will hear the prayer of faith, will send bright angels to scatter the shadows, and break the tempter's charm.
Sorrows come all along our pathway, blighting the life, and stealing its dearest treasures; sorrows that crush the heart with the keen agonies of woe; sorrows that wither and blight all the sweet hopes and bright visions of this life; sorrows that rend the soul in its deepest strength; agonies that break out in the wailings of grief and despair. But listen. The sweet voice of the Comforter whispers. The tempest is hushed, the troubled waters sink back into their caverns motionless and patient as the submissive heart waiting under the command of omnipotent power. The dear privilege of trust soothes the poor voyager upon the trackless path.
The bright star of faith breaks over the darkness. Upon the midnight of sorrow dawns the bright sun of truth. The heart breathes its submission and the soul reposes in its trust. Fearlessly our feet go out upon the treacherous wave. Willingly they walk with the lowly one that bore the cross.
Reach thy hand to me, Heavenly Father. As the storm raged, I trusted in thy love; but I cannot walk the waves; I cannot bear the cross except thou art with me. Give me the lamp that will guide unerringly. Give me the trust that will not waver. Give me the faith that is not dimmed. Give me the assurance that knows no fear. Teach me that I may teach. Love me that I may love all thy children. Direct me that I may direct. If I ask not humbly, give me only this thy love. Of it I cannot be denied.
J. DEWEY.
Health Institute, July 24th, 1867.

NO HOME BUT HEAVEN.

We have no home but Heaven;—a pilgrim’s garb we wear; Our path is marked by changes, and strewed with many a care; Surrounded with temptation; by varied ills oppress’d; Each day’s experience warns us that this is not our rest.
We have no home but Heaven;—then wherefore seek one here? Why murmur at privation, or grieve when trouble’s near? It is but for a season that we as strangers roam, And strangers must not look for the comforts of a home.
We have no home but Heaven;—we want no home beside; O God, our Friend and Father, our footsteps thither guide; Unfold to us its glory, prepare us for its joy, Its pure and perfect friendship, its angel-like employ.
We have a home in Heaven;—how cheering is the thought! How bright the expectations which God’s own word has taught; With eager hearts we hasten the promised bliss to share; We have no home but Heaven;—oh would that we were there!

THE DRESS REFORM.

By A. R. PENNIMAN.

News from the late General Conference came to me through a letter from a dear sister in Christ, in which, among other interesting items, she says, “And there I found a cross, and one, too, which I did not expect,” referring to the dress reform. After reading her letter, my mind was greatly troubled; for, I confess, I shrunk from the cross. But conscience said that if it was duty for my sister to reform in her dress, it certainly was for me, as I was in the same error with her. Then it was suggested to me, You stand alone in this place, a representative of S. D. Adventists, and if you adopt that dress, people will become prejudiced against the truth; everybody will gaze at you, and you will be a laughing stock; and besides, what will your fashionable neighbors and relatives think of you? On the other hand, these facts presented themselves: The dress is modest, becoming, neat, very convenient, and I know much more for my health than the trailing one. I am not to seek for popularity, but to please God. Sensible people will not laugh at me, and those who are not I should not care for. I have seen those who did advocate the costume, and respected and admired their independence. Can I not, with a higher motive, adopt it? My Saviour said, “He that taketh not his cross and followeth me is not worthy of me.” Matt. x, 38. So here let the matter end. The Son of God bore the rebukes and sneers of the blasphemous crowd for long years, then groaned and died on Calvary’s cross to redeem thee. Then, O, my soul, if there is anything thou canst do to put away sin and make thyself pure, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable in his sight, haste thee to do it. It is thy reasonable service.
So here, again, I commence the work of reformation, hoping by the assisting grace of God to carry it through; if it is like the reform in diet, it will pay even in this life.
A. R. PENNIMAN.
Macoupin Co., Ill.

SLEEPY PRAYERS.

By Sylvia M. Wilson

I THINK all will agree with me that God would be more honored, and we receive a richer blessing, by assembling ourselves for family worship as soon as convenient after the day's labor is ended, than to wait until so late an hour that the children get sleepy, or, perhaps lie down and go to sleep, while the older ones hardly seem to realize that they are bowed before the Maker of the heavens and the earth, who requireth those who worship him to worship in spirit and in truth. If we live out the Health Reform we shall not be so weary when evening comes as to need rest long before attending to this duty.
Perhaps some may think it would make no difference about the children, for they would not understand anything that might be read or spoken. But if they are instructed in such portions of truth as their young minds are capable of understanding, many of them will become more or less interested and so their minds will be filling up with that which is good and useful, leaving less room for evil to creep in. I have seen a child but three and a half years old that could often tell something of what was read in the previous family lesson. Let us not neglect the children.
SYLVIA M. WILSON.
Faribault, Minn.

“IS YOUR BIBLE LIKE MINE?”

By R. M. Kilgore

This question was asked a few evenings since, by a friend who had just been hearing a discourse on the resurrection. It was asked in good faith by its author; and to convince him that it was genuine, we handed him our Bible and told him to take it home with him, examine and compare it with his. The next day it was returned, the investigation having satisfied his mind.
From this we can infer, 1. That, in his mind, we were impostors, and were palming off upon the people a spurious Bible and a false religion, or 2. That he was not well acquainted with the contents of his own Bible. The latter we think rather the most probable. How many there are in our land, who by their actions, if not by their words, virtually ask the same question. You may quote a passage of scripture in confirmation of a Bible doctrine, and their reply is “my Bible does not read so;” and they are really surprised when it is shown them.
How many do we hear giving thanks to the Lord, that their lots are cast in a land of gospel light and Bible privileges, where they can “worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences;” where they are not bowing to stocks and stones, and worshiping the work of men’s hands. But when they are shown the Bible view of the “living and true God,” “who made the heavens and the earth” they are confounded, because they have not a correct view of the God they worship.
Why is it that men are lulled into a state of self security, and reliance upon their present attainments, and are not striving for knowledge, righteousness and true holiness. It is because they are wilfully ignorant of Bible truth, and God’s requirements, his statutes and judgments. They have the Bible, but it is laid upon the shelf covered with dust, and its contents do not afford them the attractions which other books do. The pleasures of this world engage their whole attention, and precious time is spent which should be employed in searching the Scriptures, and digging after truth as diligently as they search for gold. When it is read they do not understand it as they do other books, but attach to it some mystical meaning, saying, “It is a dark book,” “It was not given us to understand just as it reads;” and they will look to see how the church has interpreted it. Thus they follow the Pharisees of old, in worshiping, and teaching the commandments of men, making void the commandments of God by their traditions.
It is truly a time when men love darkness rather than light. That which is the only true source of truth and light is disregarded, while error and darkness are loved and cherished. The truth of God is turned into a lie, and instead of turning their ears to the truth, they seek for fables.
They do not enjoy the privileges and light which their land of light and Bibles affords them. They cannot endure sound doctrine and have not that “great peace” possessed by those who love God’s law.
They are not laying up in store, in this time of plenty, against the day of famine; “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord; and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” Amos viii, 11, 12.
Oh! may we be prepared for this time of famine. Truth abounds, and can be obtained, without money and without price; but we must “seek for it as for hid treasures.” The word of God is truth, and “one gem from that ocean is worth all the pebbles of earthly streams.” Then while we may, let us lay by a good store of truth, be established in it and sanctified through it, that when the “famine” comes we may not “faint for thirst” but be saved from it, and with that “righteous nation,” which have kept the truth, “enter in through the gates into the city.”
R. M. KILGORE.
Fayette, Iowa, July 29, 1867.

THE PURE IN HEART SHALL SEE GOD.

By GEO. W. PARKER.

The pure in heart hate sin because the law of God is engraven upon their hearts. They dread sin, because it brings sorrow. The pure in heart will seek to have good surroundings. They will be as a city set upon a hill, and will let their light shine, that their friends, and the honest-hearted in the society by which they are surrounded, may be led to come up and receive light, and cease their transgressions by keeping the commandments of the Lord.
Purity of heart is attainable. Let us seek it by ceasing to harbor impure thoughts and desires. Let us seek God in earnest, living prayer for strength to do his will. When the heart is separated from the body it becomes a dead body; and the heart separated from the prayer, makes it a dead prayer. Before we enter upon prayer, we should endeavor to prepare our hearts by thorough examination. Sift ourselves by examining, as Satan does by tempting. Let us cease to conspire against our King; at least, let us not present petitions for mercy and weapons of rebellion at the same time, for no prayers can find an answer from Heaven but such as first come from thence.
Every sincere prayer is a beam of light from the Sun of Righteousness, shining forth from the heavenly sanctuary and darting in upon our hearts, and from thence reflected back again. How important to those who “delight in the law of the Lord” that they keep it untarnished upon pure hearts, that the work of God may shine and glisten there, and reflect the sunbeams from the sanctuary back in gentle rays to the source of all light. Yes, let us keep our hearts pure, for the promise is that we shall see God. The sense of seeing, of all our senses the most difficult to satiate, will then be fully gratified. Our joy will be full “when we see the glory of the Lord.” The brightness of his glory will fill our vision, which will be as the open vessel which is cast into the sea; the waters first fill it and then swallow it. Soon Jesus is coming. Let us be pure in heart to meet our Saviour, that we may stand upon the sea of glass, and be filled with the glory of the Lord.
GEO. W. PARKER.
Chicago, Ill.
Patrick Henry left in his will the following important passage: “I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could leave them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had that, and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; and if they had not that, and I had given them all the world, they would be poor.”
CHRISTIANITY has given to truth a dignity independent of time and numbers. It has required that truth should be believed and respected for itself.—Vinet.

Conference Department.

Exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x, 25.
This Department is designed to fill the same place in the paper that the Conference or Social Meeting does in the worship of God. Speak often one to another to comfort, edify and aid each other in the way of holiness and true Christian experience.
BRO. G. W. PARKER writes from Chicago, Ill., I give God all praise for the light of his gospel under the third angel's message, as it is through it that my mind has been led to meditate upon these great subjects of the last days. I am trying to progress in the warfare.
It is now but one year since I first heard of the message. In looking back for the last year, what changes have taken place. Death has entered my family and taken the only one who, at that time, sought to keep the Sabbath with me. Although but ten years old, he realized his situation; and he was laid away till Jesus comes. Now my wife has taken hold in earnest to go to the beloved city. My temporal affairs have met with a complete overturn, and I thank God for having thus led. The Lord is good.
I often look around to ask myself, What does the Lord require me to do? Will prosperity have a tendency to draw me away from meditating upon these truths? The Lord in mercy forbid.
I pray that the Lord will preserve me through the perils of these last days. My natural inclinations are to allow my whole energies to go into any work which I have before me. Knowing this, I often feel as if I were in much danger.
SISTER E. J. CONNET writes from Richland Co. Ill.: I have still a thirst for more knowledge of the truth. The books I have and the Review are a great feast to me; and I want some to give to my friends and neighbors when I can get them to read. The opposition here is so great that I have but little chance to speak in behalf of the truth; but when I can, I refer to my books.
One week ago I was called to follow my mother to the silent tomb. It was a sore affliction. I had the care of her in her last illness, and often read to her from my books. She said they were the truth. She went down to the grave like a shock of corn fully ripe for the harvest, aged 86 years. My aged father yet lives. Pray for me that I may be enabled to discharge my duty as a child, and keep all the commandments of God. The responsibility is very great. My daily prayer is for patience and meekness to bear the opposition that I meet. How sweet to the Christian to know that Jesus will soon come and take his ransomed people home! Glorious thought! a little longer and we shall all be home.
BRO. A. O. BURRILL writes from Kendall's Mills, Me.: There are a few Sabbath-keepers here that are striving for the kingdom. For a long time it looked as if the cause would go down here for want of order; but I am happy to say that better times are with us now. I hope and expect that ere long we shall be in gospel order. We have encouraging meetings every Sabbath, and also a good Bible Class connected with the meetings. And the best of all of it is that the wanderers are returning to their Father's house. Some are also coming out on the Sabbath. More are interested on the question, and I trust that there will be a people here yet, sanctified through the truth when Jesus comes. There are ten Sabbath-keepers here now. One made a start last Sabbath which of course made our hearts rejoice.
I. D. CRAMER writes from Fulton Co., N. Y.: It rejoices our hearts to see the steady onward course of the third angel's message. Our prayer is, Lord, speed the message through the length and breadth of the land, and bring in the number that shall be made up and sealed, that deliverance may come to God's waiting Israel.
THE anger of God is no furious agitation, but the judgment which awards punishment to sin.

ITEMS ON DIET.

By J. H. WAGGONER.

A HOTEL in the city that did not furnish beef-steak would not be largely patronized, yet few know or care to consider the nature of the food they are eating. Some have appeared surprised when we stated that we dare not eat it; and they consider our statements in regard to the animals killed for food as exaggerations. We commend to their notice the following from the Toledo Blade:
“A gentleman connected with the police department of Chicago has testified before the Board of Health that most of the cattle reserved for consumption in the city are so weak that they have to be conveyed to the slaughter house on drays, and that as to the others, it is sheer cruelty to make them walk. Many of them are covered with sores; some are gored by the horns of others, while some have had their own horns knocked off by overcrowding. Many are so far gone when they reach the yards that they must needs have their throats cut in the cars to prevent them from dying of exhaustion. Those which are too weak to stand are of course trampled on by the stronger. When they reach the yards they are dragged out with ropes, put on drays, and sent to the slaughter house. Occasionally a marketable animal is sent up—to cover a long series of transgressions, but nearly all the animals that can survive the journey are taken to eastern cities.”
And by the time the remainder get to the eastern cities they are just as unfit for food as those left behind at Chicago, and other places.
The following contains a remedy; valuable, no doubt, to those who need it. I have seen it in several papers under the head of drinking at meals:—
“When fat meats, or sauces composed partly of butter, are taken, and cold drink directly after, the butter and fat are rendered concrete, and separated from the rest of the aliment. This congealed oily matter being then specifically lighter then the remaining contents of the stomach, swims on the top of the food, often causing heavy, uneasy, painful sensations about the cardia and breast, and sometimes a feeling of anxiety; at other times, when the stomach regains its heat, the fatty matter is rejected, by little and little, from weak stomachs, in oily regurgitations, which are very disagreeable. In such cases, a little compound spirits of hartshorn, with a glass of warm water and sugar, will convert the fat into soap, and will give instant relief.”
Good so far as it goes! but I think it may be improved. Thus, if people will put such compounds into their stomach, they may avoid the necessity of setting up a soap factory in them, and be free from all these horrible feelings, too, by eating their soap ready made! We charge nothing for this “R.,” as the Dr’s. write it, yet for ourselves we have “a more excellent way.” But grease-eating epicures will not appreciate it, if we declare it unto them. So we must leave them to the rare enjoyments of “oily regurgitations,” or soap eating. J. H. WAGGONER.

REPORT FROM CANAAN, ME.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

We closed our labors here yesterday, July 21. It was the most hurrying time in the year, and all were busily engaged in gathering in their hay, hence we could only have meetings Sabbath-day and Sunday. We stayed two Sabbaths. The brethren and sisters came out well, and manifested a good interest in the cause. Most of them have come into the truth within a very few months, and therefore are inexperienced in many things; yet they appear willing to learn, and obey as fast as they learn. They had previously organized S. B. Others who had not joined did at this time, making about $100. That was doing very well for a beginning. Some considerable prejudice had existed in their minds against organization; but when they came to hear and understand what it really was, they heartily entered into it. A church of fifteen members was organized. Bro. Holt was chosen and ordained elder of the church and Bro. Salisbury deacon. Perfect harmony and union seems to exist among them. We feel well satisfied with our visit here and with what was accomplished. We formed a better acquaintance with them than we ever had before, and learned to love them much. Others are keeping the Sabbath who will soon unite with them, we think. Still others are interested, and convicted on the Sabbath, so that there seems to be a good prospect for the future. They have a meeting house of their own.
Bro. Goodrich was with me here. Nearly all of these have embraced the truth as the result of his la bors. Some of them are taking a few steps toward the Health Reform, and others are thinking more favorably of it than they have. We hope that they will soon take hold of this matter in earnest. The Health Reform is a part of this message, and it is the will of God that we should take hold of it heartily in order to be prepared for what is coming. D. M. CANRIGHT.

REPORT FROM BRO. TAYLOR.

By C. O. TAYLOR

I was with the West Monroe church, June 20th and 21st, visiting from house to house, having meetings in the evening. Spoke twice on the Sabbath. Made some calls first-day morning, to help the minds of some with regard to their duty. Spoke once; quite a number in, not of our faith; attention good, text Isa. xxiv, 1. Baptized seven; attended a business meeting, during which fifteen were received into fellowship; two by letter and thirteen by vote, about eight of them sisters gave their hearts to the Lord some over a year ago.
June 26th and 27th, attended a ministerial conference in Rochester. We find these meetings, during which we talk over the wants of the cause and exchange thoughts, very profitable.
June 29th and 30th, filled an appointment in Oswego, and while I did not do the work I had on my mind in coming to this church, I am satisfied that the Lord guides us to as important a work for the future good of this people. We found Bro. Goodwin a little better than when I saw him two months before. This dear brother and family have been in deep affliction since last fall. His strength of body and mind is returning slowly. Sister Rhodes still lives. She is a great sufferer, yet bears her suffering as a Christian. Bro. Rhodes is putting forth effort in the right direction to rise with the message, and go through with this people, and the Lord is helping him. Sickness and the power of the enemy has brought a heavy load on this church; all depends on their obeying the voice of the faithful and true one, in each and every point.
July 13th and 14th, I attended the Quarterly Meeting for this county. It was remarked by some that it was the best we ever had at Mannsville.
July 20th and 21st, I was at the Oswego county Quarterly Meeting. Spoke twice on the Sabbath, attended ordinances in the evening. I never attended with this church when the number was so large. All moved forward in good order. There is a gathering influence in this church. It would be more so, if each and all would seek meekness and righteousness. Attended prayer and conference meeting at 9 A. M., first-day. Some present from Roosevelt. I was well satisfied with the promptness on the part of the brethren, and with the tone of the prayers and exhortations. They expressed earnestness and decision which were the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I spoke at 11; quite a number of candid, attentive listeners aside from the church.
At 2 P. M., met an appointment at Smith's Mills, a new field for present truth. The attendance was large for the place, and the attention very good, while we tried to show by the fulfillment of prophecy, that the Bible was the word of God, or that holy men spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Went to Roosevelt Monday morning. Baptized one, which reminded me as we parted, of Acts viii, 39, last clause.
Reached home last evening, after a ride of nearly fifty miles in the dust and heat, to learn that my aged mother was sinking down to her dusty bed.
C. O. TAYLOR.
July 24.

DOUBTS.

By James White

These are bad things. Many are in doubt as to their baptism. A hydropathic physician in this State has for ten years expressed regrets, (if not doubts,) as to the validity of his baptism because he was immersed by a man who afterwards proved himself to be a miserable, fanatical, dishonest, lustful hypocrite. Now two minutes at the water with a proper administrator is sufficient time to wash all such doubts away. And, certainly, such men should not hesitate to go into the water. This illustrates the case of hundreds I have seen who were troubled with doubts of this kind. But I have never seen a person who had been baptised under wrong circumstances doubt their second, if performed under favorable circumstances.
It is not sanctified caution that keeps persons from being fully relieved on this subject. It is pride and fear. True caution would lead them to make the matter sure.
Men of the world are truly cautious to get a good deed of real estate or to protect themselves against loss by fire. How much more important to secure a title to heavenly values, and guard with a double care against loss of heavenly treasures. This may all be said of ordination.
JAMES WHITE.
Greenville, Mich.

TENT MEETINGS AT CLERMONT, IOWA.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau; George I. Butler

OUR labors in this place commenced the 27th ult., and closed last Sunday. We remained over four Sundays, and gave twenty-eight discourses. Our congregations were small for the following reasons: 1. The citizens of Clermont, generally, according to their own admission, were noted for their lack of aptitude to attend religious meetings; though we were told, and saw for ourselves, that we had more to hear us than the other Protestant denominations, there being only about seventeen in attendance at the principal church in town on a Sunday that we were in the place. 2. We were cut off from the citizens of Elgin for the first two weeks by the rise of Turkey river, which made it unfordable. 3. On account of previous and almost incessant rains, farmers generally were very busy in hoeing their corn, which doubtless kept some away who would have attended.
But a great amount of prejudice was removed, a few took their stand on the Sabbath, and a good impression was left on those who came to hear us. We enjoyed the blessing of the Lord in presenting the truth, and obtained a good experience in laboring together; were we to go over the same ground again, we could not do differently from what we have done as an introductory effort in this section.
Last Sabbath we had quite a large gathering of the brethren and sisters from Waukon, West Union, and Elgin, which answered as a Quarterly Meeting for the church in this section. The Lord helped in preaching, and in the afternoon we had an excellent social meeting, in which about all the brethren and sisters took part.
We intend to remain several weeks, and perhaps months, in this part of the State.
D. T. BOURDREAU, GEO. I. BUTLER. West Union, July 24, 1867.

MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.

By Isaac Sanborn

Pursuant to appointment by Bro. Jordan, I met with the Hundred Mile Grove church in Quarterly Meeting, Sabbath and first-day, July 27 and 28, and enjoyed freedom in preaching the words of life to them, and in attending to the ordinances of the house of God. We had more than common freedom in speaking to them in our last meeting from the following text: “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. xii, 17.
The brethren and sisters were made glad in the Lord as they saw clearly the remnant church pointed out. We all felt like praising the Lord for the light of present truth. At this meeting I met a young man that told me that he had formerly been much prejudiced against the Seventh-day Adventists, but last summer when Bro. Matteson and I had the tent at Otter’s Corners, he came to the meeting thinking we were Seventh-day Baptists. But there he got light on the Sabbath, and he is now a candidate for baptism, and will be baptized next Sabbath by Elder Jordan, the Lord willing. The Lord says, Cast thy bread upon the waters for thou shalt find it after many days. How true! Then, brethren in the ministry, do not be discouraged, but keep casting out the bread of life upon the waters, and some precious souls will receive it. May God bless this young man, and enable him to be faithful unto the end, and receive eternal life in the kingdom of God.
I also made a happy acquaintance with Bro. Hiestand in Madison, a young man of moral worth and courage, who is keeping the Sabbath all alone in that wicked city, without preaching, except the Review, which he esteems highly. May the Lord bless these young men, and all others who are deciding to obey God and keep his commandments.
ISAAC SANBORN.
July 30, 1867.
We conclude this week the article from Bro. Edson on the shortening of the days. It was written, he informs us, some twelve years since; but as the error which it is designed to refute, is still indulged in to some extent, he has given it to the readers of the Review. It is worthy of consideration, by those who are in any degree inclined to the erroneous view above mentioned; while its historical extracts are of a very striking and interesting character.

REPORT FROM BRO. STEWARD.

By T. M. STEWARD

After our excellent Conference at Clyde, I arranged my business as soon as I could, and started for my field of labor, July 3. I left my desolated home in Rockton, after enjoying a two weeks' stay with the brethren there, I trust profitably, and took the cars for Dell Prairie. My heart was cheered by meeting with these kind friends at Dell Prairie, after an absence of two years from them, and to find them considerably advanced from where I left them. They seem to be strong in the truth, and to enjoy much of the spirit of the gospel. Here my heart was cheered by finding the young people so earnestly engaged in the service of God. May the Lord bless them, that they may never get weary in well doing. I spent the 4th with them. We had a meeting in the afternoon at 3 o'clock.
It was truly a refreshing season. After meeting they took me to Kilborn City, where I took the cars for Mauston, my old home. Met Bro. Russel at the depot, waiting to take me to his quiet home in the country. At this place I met many old friends, and I did not get much time to rest. We had a meeting on Sabbath, and there was a very good attendance. Not many from a distance. We had a good meeting. Also on first-day we held a meeting, and quite a goodly number of my old neighbors came out to hear. I was cheered to see them. May the Lord help them to obey, as well as hear. James 1, 22.
From Mauston I took the cars to Lacross, and there I found a boat waiting to receive passengers up the river. I took passage to Lake City, where we arrived in about ten hours. Here I found a small boat ready to cross over Lake Pepin to Maiden Rock, where we arrived at 4 p. m. Found the friends here very anxious to see me and to have meetings. I visited and read and wrote until Sabbath, when we had a meeting. But very few out. High water keeps many from attending. On first-day we had a fair congregation and good attention. On second-day I visited a neighborhood some three miles away and had a meeting at 3 P. M. I think the way is still open to do good here. May the Lord give me wisdom to do it.
On Tuesday, July 16th, Bro. Brewer took a team, and brought me to Trimbell, where I learned that Wm. Sheldon was holding a tent meeting some eight miles farther on, and the people were looking for me to discuss the Sabbath Question with him. This was according to an arrangement we made last winter. So the next day I hastened to the tent to see what was going on. We had some talk and soon arranged to commence the next morning at 9 A. M. and occupy 6 hours per day for two days. Our preliminaries being settled, I made up my mind I must meet the issue for the sake of the cause. Knowing that the truth suffers nothing by investigation, I felt as if I could lean on the God of truth, and he would take care of the result. So with full confidence in the righteousness of my cause, I engaged in the discussion, and enjoyed good freedom in defending God's holy law; and my opponent was not able even to jar one of the pillars of truth, by which God's law is shown to be immutable. He lifted and pulled, he trembled and shook, and got confounded, yet the law in all its precepts stood immovable on the authority of Jehovah, as it must stand till heaven and earth pass, in defiance of the Man of Sin, and all his worshipers. Thus God's truth triumphed; and the community could see that they are not yet released from their obligation to obey God's law. To God be all the praise. I see more and more how invincible is God's law. I wish all felt loyal to the king of Heaven. How those who are looking for the Lord next year, can fight and show so much hatred to the law that Paul says is holy, just, and good, I cannot conceive. I pity them, while Jesus says, the remnant will be found keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. Those who are breaking, and teaching others to break them, are on the enemy's side. While those who do and teach them, are the remnant, not hard to distinguish. When the blind lead the blind, both fall into the ditch. The cause has lost nothing in this vicinity by this effort against God's commandments. In hope.
T. M. STEWARD.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.
Florence, July 16. Reports from Rome represent the Papal Government much alarmed by the menacing attitude of the party acting under the leadership of Garibaldi. Many batteries around Rome are being restored and put into effective condition, and it is stated that the Pope has made an appeal to the Emperor of France for the protection of the Holy See.
Paris, July 16—Evening. In response to an appeal from the Pope for assistance in repelling an anticipated attack on Rome, the Emperor Napoleon has warned the king of Italy of the threatened movements of Garibaldi. The batteries formerly erected by the French around Rome, and not the old Roman defences, are to be rebuilt and strengthened for defensive operations.

REPORT FROM BRO. LAWRENCE.

By R. J. LAWRENCE.

I LEFT home June 11th for Saginaw and Midland. Met Bro. Cornell at Pontiac, and we in company arrived at Jay, ten miles north of Saginaw, about two o’clock on the 12th. Found the friends doing well, holding on to the truth, and just ready to commence work on their meeting-house. In about two hours Bro. Cornell received a dispatch to return to Tyrone and preach a funeral sermon, which he did, leaving me alone for one week, during which time I preached six times and visited several families. On the 19th, Bro. C. returned, and we continued meetings until Sunday, giving six discourses more, to good effect.
June 24th and 25th, visiting some and working on the meeting-house. On the evening of the 26th, Eld. Levington preached against our positions, as reported by Bro. Cornell. As we could not have the Court House for regular meetings, we improved the time in visiting. Bro. Cornell was taken sick, and started for home Thursday, July 4, while I went on to Jerome, twenty-two miles north of Midland. Found some twelve keeping the Sabbath. Stayed here twelve days, and preached twelve times, held one social meeting, and one business meeting, and took some steps toward organization.
Sunday afternoon, July 14th, went four miles east into a Baptist neighborhood, and gave one discourse, much to their satisfaction; they want to hear more. Tuesday I started for home, where I arrived Wednesday night.
I have preached twice in Oakland. There is a very deadening influence exercised here by disaffected individuals. I should have returned this week but for the death of my mother-in-law, and the Monthly Meeting next first-day. I shall go next week, Providence permitting.
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Rochester, July, 31, 1867.
Continue reading: Garibaldi at Rome.